Tyson Fury continues his boxing comeback, as he prepares to face Deontay Wilder. This is the fight which the Gypsy King has been waiting for, given the rivalry between the pair. When Fury claimed a win in Belfast in the summer, Wilder was already on hand. This is a clash which has been brewing for a while, but is Fury up to the task?

Wilder is the favourite ahead of this bout, with Fury’s absence from the ring – from November 2015 to June 2018 – potentially leaving him slightly off the pace. His hopes of rebuilding his career come to a crux in this clash in the Staples Center. The Gypsy King has certainly come a long way from August’s victory over Francesco Pianeta at Windsor Park.

Top Tips

Odds correct at time of writing but may have changed since. Check site for latest prices.

Recommended Bookie

Fight Info

This clash sees Deontay Wilder defend his WBC title, one belt which Fury has failed to hold. When the Gypsy King claimed his career-highlight win over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, he lifted almost every belt going, landing the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, Lineal and The Ring titles. However, he’s aiming to land the WBC glory for the first time. Can he become a heavyweight champion once again?

Venue

Division & Title

Channel

Time

Staples Center

WBC Heavyweight Title

BT Sport

5am

Deontay Wilder Recent Fights

Wilder has added to his perfect record with a few wins in just under two years. His last bout came back in March, as he saw off Luis Ortiz by TKO in the 10th round to defend his WBC belt. He’s managed to pull off a string of successful defences, winning each of those with a stoppage to continue his perfect record from 40 fights. So far, Wilder has won all bar one of those fights early.

Wilder’s single victory by decision saw him win the world heavyweight title from Bermane Stiverne. That clash in Nevada saw him win via unanimous decision after 12 rounds, the only victory so far which wasn’t emphatic. However, he made up for that just last year, as he put the Canadian to the canvas in the first round of their rematch last November. That win was the first of back to back wins in Ney York, and now he’s hoping to transfer that form across the coast.

Opponent

Date

Result

Method of Victory

Luis Ortiz

3rd March 2018

Win

Technical Knockout

Bermane Stiverne

4th November 2017

Win

Knockout

Gerald Washington

25th February 2017

Win

Technical Knockout

Tyson Fury Recent Fights

Fury’s career can’t be discussed without going into his big absence from the sport. The Gypsy King missed two and a half years after the greatest win of his career. He saw off Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf in 2015, a win which ended the Ukrainian’s dominance at the top of the sport. However, he lost the first of those belts he won – the IBF title – just 10 days after earning it. He surrendered the rest not long after, with anti-doping issues hanging over him. A ban then followed, which put saw Fury side-lined and unable to follow up on that victory.

His next fight came back in June this year, which brought a win over Albanian Sefer Seferi. Fury’s usual war of words didn’t follow into his last two fights, as he met boxers who were considered easy wins. He dealt with Seferi in four rounds, before claiming a victory in Belfast in August in front of Wilder.

Opponent

Date

Result

Method of Victory

Francesco Pianeta

18th August 2018

Win

Points

Sefer Seferi

9th June 2018

Win

Retired

Wladimir Klitschko

28th November 2015

Win

Unanimous Decision

Fight News

The main focus ahead of this fight has been Fury’s return to the spotlight. His controversial views haven’t earned him too many friends, but Fury has still received a huge welcome ahead of this huge bout. We’ve seen his road back to fitness laid out in the media, after he piled on the pounds when he was ruled out of the ring.

Plenty of people are pushing for Fury to make the perfect return to top-level action, but he faces a tall order. However, it is arguably not quite as big as the task facing Wilder. Not only is he expected to win, but he’s being told to put on a show. Wilder is being held up as the man to return the heavyweight division to the forefront of the American public’s imagination, a huge job even given his perfect record so far.

Analysis: Can Reach Stop Fury Coming up Short?

Wilder comes into this fight priced at 4/7 for the win, while you can find Fury at 6/4. The champion is expected to retain his title, despite question marks remaining over his ability. Will he get a pass thanks to Fury’s odd preparation, or can the Gypsy King’s superior reach make the difference again?

Over 8.5 Rounds at 8/13

Wilder may have a first round stoppage among his recent victories, but this one is set to drag on. We expect Fury to adopt the approach he used that night in Germany, focusing on getting through the first six and then kicking on. Wilder will look for Fury to tire, so the patient pair should rack up the rounds.

Wilder to win via KO at Evens

We see Wilder taking this one, with Fury’s last two fights looking pretty unconvincing. It’s hard to know what state he’s really in given how long it has been since his last big bout. Meanwhile, Wilder is on a roll, and this feels like a true stage for him to show off his talent. Having won early in 39 out of 40 fights, we’re backing Wilder to wrap this one up before the final bell.

Tips Archive

Disclaimer: Please note that the legality of betting online varies between countries and it is your responsibility to verify that your actions are legal in the country you reside. All offers subject to terms and conditions. Please gamble responsibly - if you feel you may have a problem and need advice please visit Gamble Aware (UK) or Gamblers Anonymous.